You all know how much I love Kingsford charcoal, not only do I think that they have the best charcoal on the block they are always coming up with new recipes, and ways to better improve their product. It is no wonder that Kingsford remains the leading manufacturer of charcoal in the US, enjoying 80 percent market share and probably has most recognizable charcoal bag on the store shelves across America.

Recently, Kingsford Charcoal improved their already amazing product which I think really kicks their charcoal up another notch. What is great about their new charcoal is the charcoal has an improved airflow in the actual briquets that allows them to reach peak temperature even faster and hot for just as long. In addition the new improved formula is that the briquets have even more natural wood char which increases the quality of them.

In addition to getting to try a new bag of charcoal, I had a chance to interview the people who actually make the charcoal and ask them about the new and improved formula.

Grilling with Rich:When was the last time Kingsford made a change with their formula?

Kingsford Charcoal (KC): A few years ago, Kingsford added what we call sure fire grooves. These grooves increased surface area and allowed the briquets to light faster. The grooves were then made deeper, wider and longer to light even faster than they had been before.

Grilling with Rich:If you can go into more details about what specifically is different in the new version and why is it going to improve grilling and BBQ?

KC: This year, Kingsford has made even more improvements that will help make charcoal grilling more approachable for new grillers. Basically, the new and improved Kingsford briquets have more natural wood char and increased briquet porosity. The changes improved airflow in the briquets which allows the briquets to reach peak temperature faster while still burning as hot and as long as before.

Grilling with Rich: How long is the process from first realizing that Kingsford is going to change the formula to actual roll out of the new product?

KC: There isn’t necessarily a set timeframe, but like any other quality product, Kingsford is always looking for ways to make sure we’re providing the best of the best when it comes to charcoal. Kingsford is constantly looking for ways to make sure we outperform our competitors and sometimes that leads to formula changes like we’ve seen this year. The new product is a little bit lighter and those coals will light a little faster, but you’ll still get the same amount of uses per bag as before.

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Grilling with Rich is a barbecue and Grilling website devoted to the barbecue lifestyle that includes barbecue and grilling recipes and how to's, interviews with the top names in the barbecue and grilling industry and much more.